The role played by GAA clubs in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Ireland will be explored at the 2019 Healthy Club Conference in Croke Park on Saturday, October 5th.

Delegates will participate in workshops covering mental health in sport, diversity and inclusion, positive aging, and the importance of physical activity. The themes will be brought to life through practical case studies revealing initiatives rolled out by Healthy Clubs covering these themes.

The event, proudly delivered in partnership with Healthy Ireland and Irish Life, will see a further 84 GAA clubs across the 32 counties receive official recognition as ‘Healthy Clubs’, having completed Phase 3 of the project. The conference will also see the launch of Phase 4 of the award-winning Healthy Club Project, as the GAA seek to recruit another 150 clubs to participate come January 2020.

Renowned GAA coaching tutor, Paudie Butler, will discuss in his keynote address how the development of the child – including their wellbeing – lies at the heart of all good coaching and is fundamental to the principles of the Healthy Club Project.

Amongst the player ambassadors will be Tipperary’s All Ireland winning man-of-the-match Noel McGrath. Noel is the players’ representative on the GAA’s National Health & Wellbeing Committee and will participate in a panel discussion exploring topics including his inspirational journey back to the field of play following testicular cancer. (Additional player ambassadors will be announced in the coming weeks.)

An Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, John Horan, said: “I want to offer my congratulations to the 84 clubs that will receive official recognition as Healthy Clubs at the conference. The work they have undertaken over the course of their journey has been a credit to the Association. I also urge other clubs to attend and get involved in the Healthy Club Project. It helps the GAA live up to the values of its new manifesto: ‘Where We All Belong’. This exciting work couldn’t happen without our partners Irish Life and Healthy Ireland and I want to acknowledge their continued support for the project.”

For more information regarding the conference please visit www.gaa.ie/community